How to Finance an On the Hook Fish and Chips Franchise: Trucks
By Anthony Cornella
An On the Hook Fish and Chips franchise loan is mostly a vehicle loan with a restaurant attached. Each franchise runs one or two custom food trucks serving wild Alaskan cod fish and chips at scheduled events, supported by a commissary, so the food truck itself is the biggest single line in the budget.
Below we cover the disclosed costs and fees, the SBA Franchise Directory note and how to structure an On the Hook Fish and Chips franchise loan for a one-truck or two-truck territory.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by On the Hook Fish and Chips; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s disclosure document can change, loan programs and terms vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice; review the current disclosure document and franchise agreement with a franchise attorney and accountant.
On the Hook Fish and Chips Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Initial franchise fee: $50,000 for a Two Truck Territory or $35,000 for a One Truck Territory, according to the franchisor’s 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
- Estimated initial investment: $619,260 to $1,062,000 (two trucks) or $359,360 to $700,600 (one truck), including three months of additional funds.
- Royalty: 7% of gross revenue, paid weekly, with a weekly minimum starting in the tenth month.
- Brand fund: 1% of gross revenue (can rise to 2%), plus required local marketing.
- Liquid capital: the franchisor lists a minimum of $150,000.
- System size: 10 outlets at the end of 2025, 5 franchised and 5 affiliate-owned, per Item 20.
- Term: 10 years, with up to two 5-year successor terms.
- Franchisor financing: none offered, per Item 10.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed under code S8634, with a note about lease documents when real estate secures the loan.
What Is On the Hook Fish and Chips?
On the Hook Fish and Chips started in Laramie, Wyoming, where it was founded by University of Wyoming students. The company’s affiliates have run food trucks under the concept since 2016, and the franchisor, OTH Franchising LLC, is a Wyoming company that began offering franchises in March 2024.
The concept is deliberately narrow: wild Alaskan cod, battered and fried to order, with a short menu served from a branded truck. Trucks serve scheduled events across an assigned district, with a focus on inland communities where fresh fish is hard to find.
Two territory formats. A Two Truck Territory includes one commissary and two food trucks and needs a minimum population of 250,000. A One Truck Territory includes one commissary and one truck with a minimum population of 125,000. The FDD says affiliates currently operate 19 food trucks in 6 districts across 18 states.
Why lenders see it differently. Much of the money goes into titled trucks that help as collateral, but revenue depends on an event calendar, weather and travel, so lenders want a credible district plan.
On the Hook Fish and Chips Franchise Costs
According to the 2026 FDD, the estimated initial investment is $619,260 to $1,062,000 for a Two Truck Territory and $359,360 to $700,600 for a One Truck Territory. Of those totals, $58,000 and $43,000 respectively are paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
Initial franchise fee. The fee is $50,000 for two trucks or $35,000 for one, paid in a lump sum at signing and nonrefundable. The FDD offers a $10,000 discount for eligible employees of affiliate trucks and a $10,000 discount for honorably discharged U.S. veterans. Each format also requires an $8,000 opening order of batter and sauces paid to the franchisor.
Food trucks. The truck and its customization is the largest line: $400,000 to $550,000 for two trucks, or $200,000 to $275,000 for one. It reflects a fully outfitted mobile kitchen built and branded to the franchisor’s specifications.
Commissary. Every territory needs a commissary. The estimates include deposits, design, leasehold improvements and up to six months of rent, so plan for a real build-out.
Opening costs and working capital. Additional funds of $30,000 to $50,000 (two trucks) or $25,000 to $40,000 (one truck) cover rent, utilities, payroll, technology fees, marketing and inventory for the first three months.
Item 7 line items, Two Truck Territory:
- Initial franchise fee: $50,000
- Training expenses: $4,660 to $11,000
- Premises deposits: $2,000 to $10,000
- Professional design: $10,000 to $20,000
- Leasehold improvements: $40,000 to $150,000
- Premises rent (up to six months): $10,000 to $75,000
- Furniture, fixtures and equipment: $21,000 to $40,000
- Food trucks and customization: $400,000 to $550,000
- Computer systems: $1,600 to $2,000
- Initial inventory, batter and sauces: $8,000
- Initial inventory, other: $30,000 to $40,000
- Professional fees: $5,000 to $15,000
- Licenses and permits: $2,000 to $6,000
- Insurance (annual): $5,000 to $35,000
- Additional funds (three months): $30,000 to $50,000
Item 7 line items, One Truck Territory:
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Training expenses: $4,660 to $11,000
- Premises deposits: $10,000 to $20,000
- Professional design: $8,000 to $25,000
- Leasehold improvements: $20,000 to $120,000
- Premises rent (up to six months): $8,000 to $60,000
- Furniture, fixtures and equipment: $16,000 to $30,000
- Vehicle: $0 to $16,000
- Food truck and customization: $200,000 to $275,000
- Computer systems: $1,200 to $1,600
- Initial inventory, batter and sauces: $8,000
- Initial inventory, other: $15,000 to $20,000
- Professional fees: $5,000 to $15,000
- Licenses and permits: $1,000 to $4,000
- Insurance (annual): $2,500 to $20,000
- Additional funds (three months): $25,000 to $40,000
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
The 2026 FDD sets the royalty at 7% of gross revenue, paid weekly. Starting in month 10, a weekly minimum royalty applies: $2,100 for a Two Truck Territory or $1,200 for a One Truck Territory, with a limited number of waiver weeks each year.
Marketing has two parts. The brand fund is 1% of gross revenue and can be raised to 2%. Local marketing is the greater of $750 or 5% of gross revenue per week, spent with outside vendors. An optional affiliate marketing service costs $2,250 per truck per month, and a customer service fee of $100 per month also applies.
Why minimums matter to a lender. Lenders size an On the Hook Fish and Chips franchise loan on cash flow after all fees. Percentage fees shrink in a slow month, but the weekly royalty minimum and the $750 local marketing floor do not, so build low-event weeks into your plan.
Upgrade and transfer costs. Renewal requires bringing trucks and equipment up to current specifications, and a successor term fee of 25% of the then-current initial fee applies. A transfer to a new owner carries a fee of 50% of the then-current initial fee.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
The franchisor lists a minimum of $150,000 in liquid capital. It looks for owners who can lead a team and describes the ideal candidate as trainable, humble and resilient.
Training includes one week in the classroom and one week of hands-on training for owners and managers, followed by two weeks of on-site support from the franchisor’s team around the grand opening.
Ways to Own an On the Hook Fish and Chips Franchise
New territory. Most buyers will open a new One Truck or Two Truck Territory. Financing covers the franchise fee, the truck or trucks, the commissary build-out and working capital. Lenders treat it as a start-up, so your liquidity, management background and event plan carry the most weight. Our restaurant start-up financing page explains how these first-unit loans are structured.
Buying an existing territory. Item 20 shows a small franchise base, so resales will be rare for now. When one appears, a buyer finances the trucks, commissary lease rights and goodwill, and the lender leans on the seller’s historical results. Read our overview of financing a franchise restaurant acquisition.
Financing Options for an On the Hook Fish and Chips Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. The 7(a) program is the usual starting point for a franchise start-up because it can combine the franchise fee, trucks, commissary improvements and working capital in one loan. See how SBA 7(a) loans work for franchise owners.
SBA 504 loans. A 504 loan fits long-lived assets such as an owner-occupied building. If you buy the commissary property instead of leasing it, an SBA 504 real estate loan may be worth comparing.
Conventional term loans. Borrowers with strong liquidity and restaurant or fleet experience may qualify for conventional business loans, which can be simpler for a second territory.
Equipment and vehicle financing. The food trucks, fryers, generators, refrigeration and commissary equipment can often be financed on their own, with the equipment as collateral. That can preserve cash for the fee and working capital. Learn more about restaurant equipment financing and leasing.
Working capital and lines of credit. Event revenue is seasonal in many inland markets, and fish, oil and fuel costs move, so a line of credit can bridge slow months. Our restaurant working capital page covers options.
Seller financing on resales. On a territory resale, a seller may agree to carry part of the price. Seller notes are typically subordinate, and SBA rules can limit them.
SBA Loans for On the Hook Fish and Chips Franchisees
SBA lenders check whether a franchise brand is on the SBA Franchise Directory, which lists brands whose agreements have been reviewed for eligibility. On the Hook Fish and Chips is listed under code S8634. The FDD also includes an attachment covering provisions that apply to SBA financing.
What the directory note means. The listing notes that when the real estate where the franchise operates will secure the SBA-backed loan, the Conditional Assignment of Lease and the Consent and Agreement of Landlord may not be executed. In plain terms, those lease documents are meant for leased sites. If you buy the commissary property and pledge it as collateral, there is no landlord, so those forms are not used.
The 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change. Use our SBA loan calculator to estimate payments on different amounts.
Application tips. Provide the FDD, a district event plan, commissary terms, truck quotes and personal financial statements. Our article on how lenders read the FDD explains which items get the most attention.
How Lenders Evaluate an On the Hook Fish and Chips Deal
Credit, net worth and liquidity. Expect a review of credit, tax returns and reserves. The $150,000 liquid capital minimum is the franchisor’s floor, not the lender’s.
Experience. Food service, fleet or event management experience helps; if you lack it, show the managers you plan to hire.
Business plan and projections. Base projections on a realistic event calendar for your district, with staffing per truck, travel costs, fuel, fish and oil pricing and the weekly royalty minimum. The FDD’s Item 19 includes financial data for affiliate outlets; review it with your accountant rather than relying on general claims.
Agreement and site. Lenders review the term, renewal, transfer rules and required suppliers, and want a commissary lease that covers the loan term. For resales, they also want the territory’s financials and truck condition.
The Food Trucks: The Core of the Deal
A truck carries more risk than a kitchen in a building: it combines a vehicle, a commercial kitchen and a point-of-sale setup. A breakdown means lost events, so show maintenance plans and insurance.
The FDD requires trucks and equipment to be updated to current specifications at renewal. The One Truck estimate also includes up to $16,000 for a separate vehicle.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
The brand sells territories rather than single locations, and a Two Truck Territory is already a small multi-unit operation.
For a second territory, lenders look at the first territory’s track record, your remaining liquidity and whether you can manage crews in two markets. See our guide to multi-unit franchise financing for how lenders view growth.
Real-World Scenarios
The veteran first-time owner. A veteran with logistics experience uses the veteran discount on a One Truck Territory and finances the truck, commissary and working capital through a 7(a) loan, backed by a detailed event schedule.
The restaurant operator. An experienced restaurant owner buys a Two Truck Territory, finances both trucks with equipment loans and uses cash and a smaller term loan for the commissary and fee.
The property buyer. A buyer purchases a small industrial building for the commissary and pledges it as collateral, so the SBA directory note on lease documents applies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating commissary build-out, which can be a large share of the budget.
- Ignoring the weekly royalty minimum and local marketing floor in slow months.
- Building projections on peak-season events only.
- Skipping truck maintenance reserves.
- Signing a commissary lease shorter than the loan term.
For more pitfalls, see our list of restaurant loan mistakes.
Next Steps to Finance Your On the Hook Fish and Chips Franchise
Step 1: Request and review the FDD. Read Items 5, 6, 7, 10, 17, 19 and 20 with a franchise attorney and accountant.
Step 2: Choose your format. Decide between a One Truck and Two Truck Territory based on your market population and capital.
Step 3: Gather documents. Prepare tax returns, personal financial statements and proof of liquidity.
Step 4: Price the commissary and trucks. Get lease or purchase terms, build-out estimates and truck quotes that match the franchisor’s specifications.
Step 5: Build your plan. Create projections around a realistic event calendar.
Step 6: Apply for financing. Compare SBA, conventional and equipment options before you sign.
On the Hook Fish and Chips Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does an On the Hook Fish and Chips franchise cost?
The 2026 FDD estimates $619,260 to $1,062,000 for a Two Truck Territory and $359,360 to $700,600 for a One Truck Territory.
What is the franchise fee?
$50,000 for two trucks or $35,000 for one, with $10,000 discounts available for eligible veterans and affiliate employees.
How much liquid capital do I need?
The franchisor lists a minimum of $150,000 in liquid capital. Lenders may want more, depending on the loan.
Is On the Hook Fish and Chips eligible for SBA loans?
Yes, it is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S8634.
Can I finance the food truck separately from my On the Hook Fish and Chips franchise loan?
Yes. Trucks and kitchen equipment can often be financed with equipment loans, with the equipment as collateral.
Does the franchisor offer financing?
No. Item 10 states the franchisor does not offer direct or indirect financing.
How long is the franchise term?
10 years, with up to two 5-year successor terms if conditions are met.
Can a first-time business owner qualify?
Yes, if you meet the liquidity requirement and present a solid plan; hiring experienced managers helps.
Does the FDD include financial performance data?
Yes. Item 19 includes data for affiliate-owned outlets, which you should review with your accountant.
Can I buy an existing territory?
Yes, if one is for sale and the franchisor approves the transfer. A transfer fee of 50% of the then-current initial fee applies.
Final Thoughts
An On the Hook Fish and Chips franchise loan funds a mobile restaurant built around one or two trucks and a commissary. Prepare realistic event projections and strong reserves.
US Professional Funding helps franchise buyers compare SBA, conventional and equipment financing for their first or next territory. Learn more about our franchise financing solutions and our restaurant financing programs.
